Orientation FAQs
Have questions about Orientation (Online Prep, or AC Day 1)? Check the FAQs below!
For general questions about starting college, visit our College FAQs and Resources to Know About.
What is Orientation, and how do I sign up?
There are three components to your Algonquin College Orientation:
Online Prep has everything you need to get ready before your first day of school from the comfort of your home! Complete your 10-minute must-do list, explore AC Café and check out our online resources to get ahead.
AC Essentials – Webinar and Tour is an opportunity to ask your questions during a live Q&A webinar and tour the Ottawa Campus. Explore the campus, get your questions answered, and connect with key services.
AC Day 1 is your first day of school, where new students will attend Program Orientation, learn about their program, and get set up for the new term.
Check out each page for the steps to register/and or complete the recommended tasks.
Who should participate? Can I bring family members?
Online Prep is for incoming full-time, level 1 students.
AC Essentials – Webinar and Tours is for incoming full-time, level 1 students and their families.
AC Day 1 is for all full-time new students in Ottawa.
AC Online students do not need to attend AC Day 1, and will instead attend their own Online Learning Orientation.
What if I can’t make it to the AC Essentials Q&A Webinar?
If you can’t attend the webinars, check back on the AC Essentials Q&A Webinar page after the webinar take place – we will post the recording there.
Everyone is encouraged to attend AC Day 1 for support booths and academic workshops.
Will I have class during AC Day 1?
Classes will be suspended on AC Day 1 for incoming Level 1 learners at the Ottawa Campus (this excludes apprenticeship students) so that you can attend Program Orientation and take part in AC Day 1 workshops. Classes will return to regular schedule the following day. Please check your schedule on ACSIS.
I’m an International student. Do I need to attend International Student Orientation and AC Day 1?
Yes, we recommend that international students attend both AC Day 1 and your International Student Orientation organized by the International Education Centre.
We also encourage you to watch our online AC Essentials Q&A Webinar, where you can receive answers to your questions about starting at Algonquin College.
I need additional support, who can I contact?
Student Support Services is here to help! We provide support with academics, student experience, mental health, health and wellness, accessibility, services for Indigenous students, support for new students, and more.
How do I get to campus on AC Day 1? Where can I park?
There are many ways to get to campus including public transit, biking, ride matching, carpooling and more. Check out our sustainable transportation initiatives here. If you are entitled to a U-Pass (transit pass) submit your photo in advance online here and your pass will be ready for pick up on campus.
If you have purchased an Algonquin College parking permit, please park in your designated area (Lot 8, 9, or 12). If you do not have a permit, limited parking will be available in the Lot 12 (Park, Pay and Go), or in the Visitor’s Parking Lot, for a fee.